Elmwood Park junior quarterback Michael Dare, one of the most prolific passers in North Jersey over the last two seasons, announced his verbal commitment to play for the Scarlet Knights. The 6-foot-6, 185-pounder was offered a scholarship last summer after attending Rutgers football camp, and said he felt that an early commitment was in his best interest.

"I really got to know the whole coaching staff, and I really believe that 2015 is going to have one of the best classes ever," Dare said. "I’m really excited about the move to the Big Ten and just wanted to help get 2015 going strong."

Dare played eight games last season, missing two with a concussion. He threw for 1,834 yards (229.3 per game) and 19 touchdowns, and was intercepted 11 times.

Dare threw for more than 300 yards three times, and twice threw five touchdowns in a game for the Crusaders (6-4).

He broke his right leg in a 2012 playoff game against Kinnelon, and worked with former Don Bosco and Rutgers quarterback Mike Teel on rebuilding his mechanics and footwork.

And now that he’s finished growing, Dare can really hit the weight room and put some of the finishing touches on his body to get ready for the rigors of Big Ten football.

"The coaches [at Rutgers] said they like how I pick things up quickly," Dare said. "They liked how they would point out something I did wrong, and I would correct it on the next snap.

"They like my throwing power. They like my accuracy and overall command."

Dare will get a chance to follow in the footsteps of fellow Elmwood Park native Gary Nova as a Scarlet Knights quarterback. But Nova attended Don Bosco, so that makes Dare the first Elmwood Park player to get a Division I football scholarship in at least 35 years.

"I’ll still listen if other schools contact me, but I’m not taking any official visits," Dare said. "My pride is Rutgers now. Coaches can contact me and talk, but the truth is I’m committed to Rutgers."